5,000+

degrees, in physics and mathematics, from Clemson
University. The most relevant undergraduate research to his
current graduate program was an REU at Colorado working on
a modulated laser system for laser cooling applications. His
2011summer research at Los Alamos National Lab Aaron
says, “My ah-ha moment was when I realized all of my
technical questions in high school had physics answers.”
France Jackson, a new graduate student is
doing research on computer networks and
videogaming under Dr. Juan Gilbert, Chair
of the Human-Centered Computing
Division in the School of Computing at
Clemson University. France, an industrial
engineering Masters candidate, did her LS-
SCAMP undergraduate research at
Clemson under Dr. Scott Shappell. “Using a simulator, we
examined the effect of passenger pressure on pilot weather
decision making, “ says France. The experience attracted her
to the human factors research. When Dr. Gilbert spoke at the
LS-SCAMP research conference that August, she knew
immediately that she wanted to work in his lab.
Cody Gathers is a junior at Clemson
University, although by credits earned he’s
already a senior. A biochemistry major
with a 3.9 GPR, Cody’s undergraduate
research site this past summer was the
Medical University of South Carolina
Summer Undergraduate Research
Experience Program. Back at Clemson,
Cody serves as a PEER mentor and as a tutor for General
Engineering classes. He is an Army ROTC cadet and is active
in his fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He is also a
member of the Calhoun Honors College, and the National
Society of Collegiate Scholars. “I’m excited about the future
has to offer, and conducting research has motivated me even
more to obtain an MD/PhD.”
236
Clifton Thomas graduated magna cum laude
in May 2011 with a BS in Electrical
Engineering. He is currently a PhD candidate
at Georgia Tech. A Math Excellence
Workshop participant, Cliff returned in the
summer of 2010 to serve as a counselor for the
program.
Jeremy Sullivan, a 2009 Math
Excellence Workshop participant and a
member of the Calhoun Honors
College, is a Biological Sciences
major. Until he participated in an
academic internship last summer,
Jeremy was firmly committed to
medical school. Under the direction of
Dr. James Morris, a genetics professor, Jeremy attended
faculty meetings and sat in on meetings with graduate
students. Dr. Morris showed him the editorial comments he
was preparing for a journal article and introduced him to the
process of writing a grant proposal. He also gave a class
lecture. Jeremy says, “I can see how rewarding it is to share
knowledge with students.” Although he still intends to obtain
a medical degree, Jeremy is also considering MD/PhD
programs.
Warren Godfrey is a senior in civil
engineering at Clemson University.
He has appeared on the Presidents
List (perfect 4.0 GPR) for four of his
six semesters at Clemson. Warren has
been engaged in undergraduate
research in civil engineering through
Creative Inquiry, a program at
Clemson designed to encourage more
undergraduates to participate in research. Warren has also
served as president of the University’s Spanish Club.
Deirdre Grate graduated magna cum
laude in May 2011 with a BA in
Biological Sciences and a minor in
psychology. A Math Excellence Workshop
participant, her varied interests as an
undergraduate included white water
kayaking and learning Japanese. Deirdre
is currently studying to become a
physician at the Medical University of
South Carolina.
Earnest B. Johnson, a 2006 Math
Excellence Workshop participant,
graduated December 2010 from Clemson
University with a B.S. in Civil
Engineering. Earnest was invited to
participate in a new, NSF-funded
graduate program at Clemson in
Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure.
Earnest’s research will be in the area of coastal engineering,
and involves analysis of the scour process. Earnest says, “My
18 months of graduate studies in the NSF program will
hopefully be another positive that I can add to my Clemson
career. It is my pleasure to give back to Clemson and to the
world with what my research can bring.”
JaWone A. Kennedy earned his B.S.
in Electrical Engineering with honors
in May 2002 and his Masters in
December 2007, both from Clemson
University. He is currently engaged
in research for his PhD at Clemson,
with a specialization in wireless
communication systems. JaWone’s
research has resulted in three conference publications and a
journal submission thus far. He is a recipient of a PhD
Fellowship from the Southern Regional Education Board.
JaWone participated in the Math Excellence Workshop and
later served as a MEW tutor for several summers.